Hello, I'm trying to research creatures and beings that are similar to the Valkyrie. According to my research on Valkyries, the word means "chooser of the slain." Research from Britannica states the following: "any of a group of maidens who served the god Odin and were sent by him to the battlefields to choose the slain who were worthy of a place in Valhalla. These foreboders of war rode to the battlefield on horses, wearing helmets and shields; in some accounts, they flew through the air and sea. Some Valkyries had the power to cause the death of the warriors they did not favour; others, especially heroine Valkyries, guarded the lives and ships of those dear to them. Old Norse literature made references to purely supernatural Valkyries and also to human Valkyries with certain supernatural powers. Both types of beings were associated with fairness, brightness, and gold, as well as bloodshed." I'm looking for any mythology or legends that deal with someone or something choosing the slain for a specific purpose. Any clues of where to start looking would be greatly appreciated.
The Norse Eddas and sagas would be a great place to start. The Saga of the Volsungs features the valkyrie Brunhild. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunhild Also, there's a man named Jackson Crawford on YouTube who is an expert in Norse myth and language. His videos are very informative and devoid of fluff.
Well, the Einherjer, those who died in battle and feast in Valhalla, were there for the express purpose of fighting on Ragnarok. There are also these myths, which are similar in nature, although they involve a known hero returning (possibly from the dead). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_asleep_in_mountain
